Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants advances inclusion on campus and beyond

July 12, 2022 - Henry Mochida

The Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants funded over 42 projects this past year, setting an unprecedented record. The grants, managed by the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, distributed approximately $525,000 to advance innovative inclusion efforts across Michigan State University.

A panel of experts across campus reviewed submitted proposals by MSU-affiliated students, faculty and staff for a maximum award of $15,000.

“We thank our reviewers across campus for lending their expertise,” said Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. “The awarded projects are examples of the university’s commitment to building capacity and enhancing inclusion across every level of the institution.” 

LGBTQIA+ Campus Climate Survey

One such project that received funding was an LGBTQIA+ campus climate survey of students. It had been more than a decade since the last survey was conducted. Much has changed from then, including marriage equality and greater visibility of transgender people, as well as substantial backlash and regressive policies.

“We assembled a hard-working committee of faculty, staff and students to design the study, both survey and qualitative data collection,” said Kristen Renn, professor in the College of Education and associate dean of undergraduate studies for student success research in Undergraduate Education. “It’s a superb example of cross-campus, multi-identity work made possible by the CIEG.”

The climate survey is slated to launch in the second week of the fall 2022 semester.

University Bands Outreach and Engagement

Another project stemmed from the College of Music centered on increasing outreach and engagement with the Detroit Public Schools Community District. The proposal included an MSU Wind Symphony concert in February and an upcoming clinic featuring the Spartan Marching Band over the summer.

“This event was a wonderful way to honor excellent Black composers and to showcase their works to the entire community,” said Kevin Sedatole, professor of music, director of bands and chair of conducting. “We were pleased to work with our Detroit partners to put on an inspiring and educational event that touched the lives of students of all ages.”

The sold-out performance had more than 400 people in attendance, 65 of whom were K-12 students. Detroit Public Television broadcasted the event, which is available to view through the College of Music’s YouTube Channel.

Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development Conference

CIEG funds were also utilized to reinvigorate the Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development Conference. The WILD conference has a long history at MSU but was on hiatus following the closure of the Women’s Resource Center in 2016. However, when MSU created the new office of Women*s Student Services in 2019, the WILD Program quickly became a cornerstone of their gender equity programming.

Funding through CIEG would allow WILD to expand student reach in 2021 and bring a top-tier speaker to MSU. To great success, 220 people registered to attend the conference, including students, faculty, staff and alums.

"The opportunity to bring Mikki Kendall to MSU's campus allowed us to capture and expand upon the theme of intersectionality at our WILD Conference," said Makenize Morales, a second year graduate student in student affairs administration, graduate assistant in Women*s Student Services and WILD advisor. "Kendall provided students with an opportunity to create and share a space of strength, thoughtful strategy and healing with one another." 

Funding for 2022-23 is now open

The CIEG program has provided funding to colleges, academic and administrative units, individuals and groups since 2005. 

IDI is currently accepting proposals for the 2022-23 academic year due by Aug. 1.

Visit the CIEG webpage to learn how to submit a proposal.